LINACE: 489 
proceed 5 tooth-like processes (stamiiyodes) which alternate with 
the fertile stamens, and are opposite to the petals (jig. 925). 
Disk none or glandular. . Ovary compound (figs. 618 and 924), 
its cells usually corresponding in number to the sepals ; styles 
3—5 ; stigmas capitate (figs. 925 and 926). Fruit a septicidal 
capsule, each cell more or less perfectly divided into two by a 
spurious dissepiment proceeding from the dorsal suture (jig. 
618, b), and having a single seed in each division. Seed com- 
pressed, with or without albumen ; embryo straight, with the 
radicle towards the hilum. 
Diagnosis.—Herbs or very rarely shrubs, with simple entire 
leaves, which are usually exstipulate. Flowers regular, sym- 
metrical. Sepals, petals, and stamens 3—5 each ; the sepals 
Fia. 924. Fic. 925. Fia. 926. 
Fig. 924. Diagram of the flower of the Flax Plant (Linum usitatissimum). 
— Fig. 925. Essential organs of the same, showing the monadelphous 
stamens surrounding the pistil. Fig. 926. Pistil of the same, with 
distinct styles and capitate stigmas. 
persistent and imbricate; the petals fugacious and twisted in 
zestivation ; and the fertile stamens united at their base, and 
having little tooth-like staminodes alternating with them. Ovary 
3—5-celled, styles distinct, stigmas capitate. Fruit a septicidal 
capsule, each cell more or less divided by a spurious dissepiment, 
and each division containing one seed. Seeds compressed, with 
or without albumen, and having a straight embryo. 
The plants of the order Erythroxylacex of some botanists, 
which, following Bentham and Hooker, we include in this 
order, are exceptional in the petals having at their base two 
scales, in their drupaceous fruit, and woody stem. 
Distribution and Numbers.—Chiefly natives of the south of 
Europe, Brazil, and some other parts of South America, West 
Indies, and the north of Africa, but more or less distributed 
over most regions of the globe. Illustrative Genera :—Linum, 
Linn. ; Radiola, Gmelin. There are about 160 species. 
